NATIONALLY RENOWNED EXPERT OFFERS FIVE TACTICS FOR KEEPING THE BRAIN HEALTHY

Did you know the brain weighs two to four pounds, is the most fatty system in the body, and consumes 25 percent of the blood from every heartbeat? Guests learned those facts and more when Covenant Village of Northbrook hosted an educational seminar titled “Five Ways to Keep Your Brain Smart.” Speaker Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“Brain health concerns many older adults,” says Neil Warnygora, executive director of Covenant Village. “As a community dedicated to providing our residents with life-enriching opportunities and activities, we feel it is important for everyone to be aware of ways to keep their brains fit. Dr. Nussbaum offered great insight into the untapped potential of the brain and how important social, mental and physical stimulation is to long-term brain health.”

During the event, Dr. Nussbaum explained the basic functions of the brain and provided tips to prevent or delay brain disease and maintain a healthy brain. Attendees learned that brain health begins in the womb and can continue as you age if you engage in novel and complex activities.

“The brain is shaped by its surroundings. Exposing it to enriched environments throughout a person’s lifespan will lead to new brain cell development and increased cellular connections, known as synaptic density or brain reserve, which may help delay a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Dr. Nussbaum outlined five domains in which one should engage to maintain an active brain health lifestyle. They are:

• Socialization — join groups, develop hobbies, and maintain family and friend relationships; 

• Physical activity — walking, dancing, gardening, knitting and aerobic exercises help reduce the risk of dementia;

• Mental stimulation — participate in complex mentally stimulating activities such as playing board games, learning a new language, traveling or playing a musical instrument; 

• Spirituality/meditation — reduce stress and enhance the immune system; 

• Nutrition — increase foods with Omega 3 and antioxidants; decrease the intake of processed foods and red meat.

On Sept. 25 at 10 a.m., Covenant Village will host Author Missy Buchanan, who will discuss “Aging Faithfully — Finding Purpose in Later Life.” To RSVP for this event or receive additional information about Covenant Village, please call 877-518-2473 or visit www.RetireAtNorthbrook.com/rsvp.

About Covenant Village of Northbrook:

Covenant Village of Northbrook is a faith-based, nationally accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities Inc., which is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village visit www.CovenantNorthbrook.org.